A Bolton man who attacked a woman at her Abergele home has walked free from court after being given a suspended jail sentence.

But a judge described John Clarke as ”controlling, arrogant and self-righteous” after he admitted dragging the woman out of her bedroom by her hair and striking her face. She was left with a swollen left cheek and several bruises and scratches.

Clarke’s defence at Caernarfon Crown Court said the defendant had been drinking at the time of the assault – he recognised he had a ”personality flaw” and needed to address it.

The 36 year-old from Blackrod pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage – he was given an eight month sentence and told to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and pay £100 in costs.

Judge Geraint Walters told Clarke it was a ”sustained and hugely unpleasant attack” and he still poses ”a high risk of using violence against women”.